Sandford St Martin showed they are still Oxfordshire's indoor kings with an 11-run victory over Banbury in the county final at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.

Winners of the trophy when it was last played for in 2004, Sandford were in serious trouble after six overs, with only 39 runs on the board.

But Rob Taylor changed the course of the game in the seventh over by plundering 29 runs, including four sixes off the bowling of Jimmy Phillips.

Taylor finished unbeaten on 36, while Martin Anson chipped in with 27 not out as Sandford reached 105-4 from their allotted ten overs.

In reply, Banbury struggled to make the required rate and at 60-5 in the eighth over, the game looked all-but over, despite 33 from Oxfordshire captain Ian Hawtin.

However, Ed Smith batted magnificently as the last man, and his 33 took them close, before falling to a fine return catch from Richard Murrey as Banbury were bowled out for 94.

In the semi-finals played earlier on the night, Sandford had been grateful to Chas Taylor, whose 43 not out steered them to a narrow two-wicket win over Tiddington.

Hawtin, meanwhile, smashed an unbeaten 47 as Banbury saw off Kingston Bagpuize by two wickets in the other semi-clash.

Sandford now play Berkshire champions Peppard at Bradfield College with February 24 the deadline for the game to take place.

The winners there go forward to the regional finals at Taunton on Sunday, March 2.

RESULTS

Semi-finals

Tiddington 86-4 (J Talbot 28no), Sandford St Martin 87-4.

Kingston Bagpuize 64-4 (S Launder 22no), Banbury 65-4 (I Hawtin 47no).

Final

Sandford St Martin 105-4 (R Taylor 36no, M Anson 27no), Banbury 94 (I Hawtin 33, E Smith 33).